Things appear to be heating up in the Mark Teixeira talks, and baseball people believe now that Teixeira will have a new team before Christmas. And a deal could be finalized as early as Tuesday.
The Angels' decision Sunday to drop out of the derby seems to have crystallized things for Teixeira, the 28-year-old first base star who's choosing between the Red Sox, Nationals and Orioles, and perhaps the Yankees. The likely deal is expected to be for close to $180 million, though the final figure depends upon which team Teixeira selects.
The Red Sox, disappointed when they failed to make a deal with Teixeira late last week, are still viewed as the favorite by most executives on other teams, though it's not known whether that's inside information or guesswork. While most free agents tend to take the highest offer, there's skepticism that a player of Teixeira's stature would choose teams like the Nationals or Orioles, who appear to be at least a couple years away from contention.
The Red Sox are clearly still involved in talks, even after owner John Henry said they were "not going to be a factor'' after a meeting requested by Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein at Teixeira's Dallas-area home.
The Nationals also are heavily involved in negotiations with the Severna Park, Md., native. The Orioles are believed to be talking to Teixeira, as well.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox's archrival, the Yankees, remain the wild card. It was uncertain Monday night whether the Yankees have jumped back into the bidding, although they did spend the weekend considering whether they should try to make room on their payroll for the star first baseman.
The Yankees remain interested in Teixeira but have payroll considerations after spending $243.5 million on frontline pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, and they apparently want to keep any deal at only slightly more than the $161 million given to Sabathia.
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well, that should clear things up.
zip_zap
Brooklyn , NY
Total Comments (10)
The only thing Imminent is the excesive reporting on everything other then how many turds Teixeira takes. Available player + Boras = Rumors, Speculation, and frustrations
tkane88
Quincy , MA
Total Comments (2)
Boston radio said red sox pulled their offer.
No one knows anything .lol
BandofGold
Beverly Hills , CA
Total Comments (842)
Heres hoping he goes to the Seibu lions, taking Manny with him.
Be Champions 315
Total Comments (147)
agreed with #1 !!! tell us something we DONT know already!!
herbnational
Mesa , AZ
Total Comments (5)
in the latest news, Jon Heyman does another report.
thumbp
Friendswood , TX
Total Comments (1)
Reports by the Orioles own network says the Nats have stepped to the front of the line.
http://masnsports.com/2008/12/the-nationals-may-have-taken-t.html
Ciccarelli
Reisterstown , MD
Total Comments (2)
The Teixeira thing is played! PLAAAAAAAAAAYED!
BigDog83
Manchester , NH
Total Comments (69)
I wonder if they pay Heyman by the article. Everyday there is another speculative deal that is nothing more than speculative.
I would love if something someone says on here actually happens.
fiercescuba
Jersey City, NJ
Total Comments (139)
Which radio reported that the Red Sox pulled their offer?
Terry180
Marlborough , MA
Total Comments (36)
I am with the guy from Syracuse!!
GoYanks2008
Total Comments (2)
IN OTHER NEWS THE SKY IS BLUE, WATER WET
TunaBallKing
Ottawa, ON
Total Comments (250)
Really? "...and in other news, something will happen with Mark Teixeira, sometime, but we don't know when or with whom." I CAN be a sports writer for SI! My dreams will come true!
"...and in the latest news, someone played a game somewhere and won!"
That's newsworthy? This is killing me. Some of these guys (Heyman) are getting paid for nothing. It's like reading the latest celebrity gossip rag. At least do some analysis or report something new. And definitely quit stroking Boras' ego and reporting on every move he makes. He's the reason payrolls are out of control and small market teams can't compete. And finally, no kidding he's waiting for the Yankees to make an offer. They've got the most money to spend and all he's good for is making money hungry second rate players out of great players who enjoyed the game before he tainted them.
GOBIGBLUE
Toms River, NJ
Total Comments (3)
Another episode of "As the Teixeira turns"
DeweyCox
Brattleboro , VT
Total Comments (322)
It will probably be Boston but they dont talk about free agents so no one knows what is going to happen especially w/ a snake like Boras
tcabroncos7
Guilford , CT
Total Comments (52)
Useless... I hope he goes to Washington and is never heard from again
Redsoxfan1981
Belmont , MA
Total Comments (3)
It seems that Teixeira will sign with the Red Sox to play for a winning organization and the leagues best Manager. The Yanks will sign Ramieriz for $75 million who will behave for the first few months then take August off for his annual vacation. Varitek with resign with the Red Sox. Now we root for the Jets to win on Sunday so that the Pats will make the playoffs again. Life is good in Boston.
Redsox Tradition
Total Comments (20)
THIS JUST IN:
"Teixeira could sign before X-Mas or maybe he will sign after X-Mas but where and when is still unknown"
BigDog83
Manchester , NH
Total Comments (69)
One thing i think is clear is heyman does like to help boras out. There is no way the yankees are in this thing. If they are unwilling to go much over what they gave cc. The only reason the yankees keep coming up is boras keeps saying they are in it hoping to get 2 more years for a 10 year 225 mil or more deal. he uses the yankees to scare the sox and the sox to get the yankees to blink. This is boras at his best. Sometimes he overplays his hand and in this case i thinik he has. The sox never pulled there deal they just aren't going above there last offer. If tex wants to play for a winner that leaves the sox otherwise he's gonna get stuck playing for a team that loses 100 games a year like he had in texas and he didn't like that.
Soxfan32
Dexter , ME
Total Comments (1)
Don't report if there is nothing new to report.
NIXJETZYANX
Port Washington , NY
Total Comments (12)
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